Knocking Whirlpool Duet

I read your posting on June 28 with the same title "knocking."--I have the exact same problem. I have not done anything yet, as I first wanted to ask you if there would be any difference in my case--I DO NOT have the above listed model. My Whirlpool Duet is Model:GHW9100LQ1 Serial: CSP1611627. The only thing I would add is that lately I have been setting it to "Medium" spin, as opposed to the highest spin cycle, and it seems to help considerably--however the detergent and softener bottles that sit atop the machine still move about quite a bit. Is there any difference in how I go about this, having the different model #? and also, would I be removing the top panel off, or the actual entire back panel? I am familiar only with the bottom panel removal. Thank you so much.

Dog--can you tell me if the struts are the four "spring-like legs" from the tub to the bottom? If they are, it doesn't appear that any of them have been broken off from the tub. The laundry is upstairs and on a tile floor. Have had the unit for almost 4 1/2 years. Again, sometimes it sounds good and other times it knocks. Could the amount of the load make a difference? thanksDog--can you tell me if the struts are the four "spring-like legs" from the tub to the bottom? If they are, it doesn't appear that any of them have been broken off from the tub. The laundry is upstairs and on a tile floor. Have had the unit for almost 4 1/2 years. Again, sometimes it sounds good and other times it knocks. Could the amount of the load make a difference? thanks

Hi. Just to clarify another thing...the knocking only sounds when the two spin cycles (middle and final spin) are either gaining, or oicking up speed; and/or when the cycle is winding, or slowing down to stop. The sound does not go on for the entire spin cycle. Maybe the feet on the washer could use tightening so they grip the tile better? Can I tighten those with a wrench? And is it possible for a tile floor to get weaker? Do I need to remove the back panel to look at anything there? thanks so much.Hi. Just to clarify another thing...the knocking only sounds when the two spin cycles (middle and final spin) are either gaining, or oicking up speed; and/or when the cycle is winding, or slowing down to stop. The sound does not go on for the entire spin cycle. Maybe the feet on the washer could use tightening so they grip the tile better? Can I tighten those with a wrench? And is it possible for a tile floor to get weaker? Do I need to remove the back panel to look at anything there? thanks so much.

Great..I will try the legs. But does that mean that the un-levelness bring about, or contributes to that knocking sound, or are they two separate problems--shaking AND knocking. And nothing in the back of the machine I should be looking at? thanksGreat..I will try the legs. But does that mean that the un-levelness bring about, or contributes to that knocking sound, or are they two separate problems--shaking AND knocking. And nothing in the back of the machine I should be looking at? thanks

I will check those legs, but I only ask about the back, because some of the other fixya postings on front loaders say something about a "pulley" that is located in the back? ...and again, are the shaking and vibration (from uneven floor) what lead to that "knocking" sound? thanksI will check those legs, but I only ask about the back, because some of the other fixya postings on front loaders say something about a "pulley" that is located in the back?
...and again, are the shaking and vibration (from uneven floor) what lead to that "knocking" sound? thanks

You could try holding the pulley with one hand and trying to rotate the drum back and forth to see if there is any movement between them.
During my 20+ years in engineering, I have come across circumstances where this will make a noise.
What happens is the drive is imparted to the drum, which them accelerates and overtakes the pulley slightly. As the pulley then gets accelerated, it creates a kind of back and forth whiplash between the pulley and drum.
When it all gets up to speed, it plays nicely.
The pulley in your case is most likely locked to the shaft with a square section key. Once these develop a little movement, they rock the key and deform it, allowing the pulley to move a small amount separately. This can make considerable noise as it amplifies through the whole machine. Also it can totally appear to come from somewhere else than where it really is.

Is the waher sitting on a solid surface? Front loaders can not be put on wooden platforms unless they are very sturdy ad built well. Most knocking problems with front loaders are due to where they are installed..since you are familier with the front panel removal, remove it and then put the washer in the spin cycle. Then watch the unit spin and make sure there are no struts in the bottom that are broken or have seperated from the top half. If there is a broken strut you will need to replace it.

HiYes the should be attached to the bottom of the tub to the floor of the washer. What you put in the washer could make it spin off balance. What I would try is to move the washer out of its space and make sure the floor is nice and clean. Soap that spilled under the washer could cause it to shake and move. Then try a few loads and see what happens. Other then that the only other thing I could say is that the floor is getting weaker from the washer and causing it to shake and vibrate more.Hi
Yes the should be attached to the bottom of the tub to the floor of the washer. What you put in the washer could make it spin off balance. What I would try is to move the washer out of its space and make sure the floor is nice and clean. Soap that spilled under the washer could cause it to shake and move. Then try a few loads and see what happens. Other then that the only other thing I could say is that the floor is getting weaker from the washer and causing it to shake and vibrate more.

yes you can try to level the washer by adjusting the legs. and you will get the most shaking when the washer starts to spin and builds up speed and just the reverse when it is sowing down. I have this problem all the time and 98% of the time it is due to the wood floor the washer is sitting on. I know you did say it is on tile but under the tile is wood and wood will flex from the weight and movment of the washer. I kow it is something most people will not ever belive because they want the problem to be the washer and not where it is placed. I hope this helps because what you have described to me is not a mechanical problem with the washer.yes you can try to level the washer by adjusting the legs. and you will get the most shaking when the washer starts to spin and builds up speed and just the reverse when it is sowing down. I have this problem all the time and 98% of the time it is due to the wood floor the washer is sitting on. I know you did say it is on tile but under the tile is wood and wood will flex from the weight and movment of the washer. I kow it is something most people will not ever belive because they want the problem to be the washer and not where it is placed. I hope this helps because what you have described to me is not a mechanical problem with the washer.

I cant think of anything in the back of the washer for you to check that you cant see from the front. Maybe you should call whirlpool and have them send a repair man to check the washerI cant think of anything in the back of the washer for you to check that you cant see from the front. Maybe you should call whirlpool and have them send a repair man to check the washer

the pully connects the belt with the pully on the motor. I highly doubt there is anything wrong with the belt or the pully. I have no more answers to give to you. Im sorry you dont belive the floor has anything to do with your problem but from my experience most front load washer problems with knocking and shaking is due to the floor.the pully connects the belt with the pully on the motor. I highly doubt there is anything wrong with the belt or the pully. I have no more answers to give to you. Im sorry you dont belive the floor has anything to do with your problem but from my experience most front load washer problems with knocking and shaking is due to the floor.

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From what it sounds, it could be one of the suspension bars. when it's spinning, it is all in the same direction where as agitation is both directions... that would make noise from starting and stopping directions etc. it could be a few other things... please let me kno if you need more help.

I had that problem while the washer was under warranty. Luckily my neighbor is a repair man. He removed the front cover just under the door. There are shocks under the barrel that keep it aligned. One of mine was damaged and the barrel became misaligned. Check that area, that might be your problem. Good Luck!

well id be leary myself and honestly not at the machine but the tech(s) that are looking at it. i would put back in for another call request a different company if possible.Theres probably 7-8 authorized Whirlpool service Companies in my area alone. acn demand that the tech call the Technical assistance line if unsure of problem.I cant see telling a cust "normal noise don't worry about". these units spin very quietly.On a side note they were installed correctly??? strange to get 2 with came problem..